90 miles of range for more than $20,000+The Smart EV electric car is an interesting little vehicle. Yet, even if it cost less than $10,000, I still wouldn't buy it. I have to have room for at least 3 people, period. There is no way around that fact, and I can't afford multiple cars for different types of driving. Most Americans can't.
Then there is the range. 90 miles sounds great, but how realistic is 90 miles? Most battery experts would tell you that heavy AC use, hills, and aggressive driving could drop that range down by a 1/3, maybe even cut it in half.
Then there is the price. Pricing has not been given on such a vehicle, but I'm certain it will be more than $20,000.
Now, obviously, there are some for whom the Smart car will work, but it's far from a mainstream solution. It's a micro-niche product at best. Can such vehicles really help push economies of scale to help bring down costs of electric cars?
The Smart EV is a good step, but I'd easily accept half the range for an extra two seats. The Smart EV just isn't smart enough for me.
Labels: electr, small cars, smart